Think of this as your photography masterclass for identity documents. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to capture the perfect document photo every single time.
KYC verification systems use sophisticated AI to read and verify your documents. But here's the thing: even the most advanced AI can't read text that's blurry, obscured by glare, or hidden in shadows.
A poor quality photo isn't just "a bit worse" — it's often completely unreadable to automated systems. That's why getting your photo technique right is the single most important factor in passing KYC.
Find a spot near a window with plenty of natural light. Avoid direct sunlight — it creates harsh shadows and glare. The ideal time is during daylight hours on an overcast day, or in a well-lit room during golden hour.
Use a flat, dark, non-reflective surface. A dark desk, black notebook, or even a dark piece of clothing works well. The contrast between your document and the background helps the AI detect edges.
Wipe your ID with a soft cloth. Fingerprints, dust, and smudges can create spots that look like damage or tampering to verification systems.
Clean your camera lens. Check that you have enough storage. Close other apps to prevent interruptions. Enable "Do Not Disturb" mode.
Set a 3-second timer on your camera. This eliminates the shake caused by pressing the shutter button. Hold your phone steady, tap the shutter, then stabilize with both hands during the countdown.
Place your document flat on your prepared surface. Make sure it's completely flat — even a slight curve can cause focus issues. Leave about 2cm (1 inch) of margin around all edges.
Hold your phone directly above the document, parallel to the surface. The camera should be perpendicular to the document — not at an angle. A good distance is about 20-30cm (8-12 inches) above.
Look at your screen. Do you see any bright spots or reflections? If so:
Tap on the center of the document on your screen to focus. Wait for the focus to lock (usually indicated by a yellow box on iPhone or circle on Android). Then capture the image using the timer method.
The data page (with your photo) is what you need. Open the passport flat — use something to hold it open if needed, but make sure nothing covers the text. Be especially careful of the hologram, which runs across most passport data pages.
Most platforms need both front and back. Take separate photos of each side. Make sure the hologram (usually on the front) isn't reflecting. The back often has a barcode or MRZ (machine-readable zone) — this must be completely clear.
These vary significantly by country and state. Make sure your photo, name, and license number are all clearly visible. Some have holograms that shift color — try to capture at an angle where the text beneath is still readable.
Even with the best technique, it's easy to miss small issues that cause rejection. That's why we built Fix Your KYC — our AI analyzes your photo exactly like verification systems do, but tells you what's wrong before you submit.
Upload your document photo and get instant feedback on exactly what to fix.
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